Panicle hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata) hy-DRAIN-jah pah-nik-yew-LAY-tah Genus:  Hydrangea This plant produces gracefully arching branches and pyramidal clusters of white, then pink-tinged to dusky purple blossoms. Noteworthy Characteristics:  This is one of the most cold-hardy species. It may be grown as a single-stemmed specimen or as a multi-stemmed shrub.  Care:  Grow in moist, but well-drained soil, in sun to partial shade. H. paniculata blooms on the current season's wood; it may be cut back to a few buds to form a framework in spring to produce larger flowers, or allowed to grow with minimal pruning. Propagation:  Sow seed in a cold frame in spring; take softwood cuttings in early summer, hardwood cuttings in winter. Problems:  Gray mold, slugs, powdery mildew, rust, ringspot virus, leaf spots.

Overview

Height 15 ft. to 30 ft. Spread 10 ft. to 15 ft. Growth Habit Clumps Growth Pace Fast Grower Light Full Sun to Part Shade Moisture Medium Moisture Maintenance Moderate Characteristics Showy Flowers, Showy Seed Heads Bloom Time Summer Flower Color Pink, White Uses Beds and Borders, Cut Flower, Dried Flower, Specimen Plant/Focal Point Style Cottage Garden Seasonal Interest Summer Interest Tolerance Frost Tolerant Type Shrubs